Getting to Know the Editorial Board

Please see here for past editions of this section. A. Sassan Sabouri, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at the Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School, Boston. Do you consider yourself primarily a regional anesthesiologist, an acute pain practitioner, or a chronic pain specialist (or some combination of these)? What led you to choose this specialty? I identify myself as a specialist in regional anesthesia and acute pain management. My decision to pursue this specialty stems from several reasons. First, utilizing regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine enables me to address perioperative pain efficiently. By precisely targeting particular nerves or areas of the body, I can diminish the reliance on systemic opioids and potentially expedite recovery. Second, I've observed that effective perioperative pain management frequently leads to heightened patient satisfaction and may offer potential long-term advantages. What do you like best about your job? What gets you excited about going to work? I am drawn to this profession for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the utilization of various modalities to manage pain, particularly regional anesthesia, is a constantly evolving field. This continuous advancement serves as a significant motivation for research aimed at enhancing patient care. Secondly, in our current pain management practice, there is a growing demand for practitioners who can effectively address patient pain management needs. Thirdly, possessing a strong knowledge of anatomy serves as a solid foundation for educating students, residents, and fellows on the safe administration of regional anesthesia or the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool at the bedside. How and when did you get involved with the journal? (perhaps you started as an author, perhaps a colleague encouraged you to apply for the editorial board, feel free to name names!) My involvement with RAPM commenced by acquainting myself with its content, which has become a habit since I began practicing regional anesthesia and pain medicine. My initial involvement culminated in the publication of my first cadaveric research in RAPM in 2018. I deeply comprehend the insights provided in the editorial, which align seamlessly with my clinical and research interests. Moreover, my consistent participation in ASRA PM Meetings over the past decade has afforded me the opportunity to share my insights with the editorial board members on numerous occasions during these gatherings. I have been on the editorial board since March 2024. Do you feel that your work with RAPM has had an impact on your career and if so, how? The Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (RAPM) journal stands as our essential knowledge hub for the safe practice of regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Its published articles possess significant scientific merit and warrant meticulous consideration. Collaborating with RAPM affords me a distinctive opportunity to contribute to maintaining its high standards. Engaging with the diverse array of articles presents a mental challenge that allows me to enhance my understanding while assisting authors in effectively communicating their scientific endeavors. What advice do you have for others interested in getting involved with serving on the editorial board of scientific journals? Staying informed and engaged in the latest developments in your field is essential for those aspiring to serve on the editorial board of scientific journals. Publishing your own research in peer-reviewed journals not only contributes to the scholarly conversation, but also helps you develop the skills necessary to review the work of others. Improving your writing skills is crucial for providing clear and constructive feedback on manuscripts. Additionally, building professional relationships with experts in your field by attending meetings, conferences, and seminars allows you to acknowledge their contributions and expertise while also expanding your network. These steps collectively enhance your qualifications and readiness to serve effectively on an editorial board. Is there anything you’d like to tell authors submitting articles to the journal, including advice for writing good articles or maybe a pet peeve you wish authors wouldn’t do? Clarity and conciseness are paramount in scientific writing. Guidelines exist for almost every type of research, aiding in standardizing article presentations. Scientific journals value originality and the impact of your work on clinicians and fellow scientists. It’s crucial to be clear in detailing your methodology and results. Lastly, transparent reporting of findings is highly desirable. What has been your proudest career moment? Having my work published in a peer-reviewed article stands as one of the proudest moments of my life. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the field of regional anesthesia and pain medicine today? In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges facing the field of regional anesthesia and pain medicine today is striking the right balance between effectively managing pain and minimizing the risks associated with opioid use. There is increasing pressure on health care providers to explore alternative pain management strategies, including regional anesthesia techniques, non-opioid medications, and multimodal approaches. What one word would you say describes you? Insightful What do you enjoy doing outside of work and why? I take pleasure in traveling and spending enjoyable moments with my family. I firmly believe that a strong family foundation is indispensable for successful career development. Any final comments? For anyone aspiring to excel in a career in regional anesthesia and pain medicine, dedication, ongoing education, and a passion for improving patient care are paramount. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay current with advancements in the field, and prioritize building strong relationships with colleagues and mentors.